Filing device



March 8, 1938. R. M. RICKABY 2,110,610

FILING DEVICE Filed Jan. 18, 1935 Patented Mar. 8, 1938 FILING DEVICE Roland M. Rickaby, Green Bay, Wia, assignor to Automatic File & Index Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application January 18, 1935, Serial No. 2,351

25 Claims.

The present invention relates to filing devices.

Among the objects of the present invention is to provide a novel filing device having novel means for securing and holding one or more I spacer guides or other filing members in their operative positions.

In filing devices of the type herein disclosed, spacer or separator members have been held in position by flexible or resilient members secured to a supporting member which grip projecting lugs or elements on the spacer guides. As is well known, these lugs on the spacer guides or members are inserted between the flexible members by pressing downwardly on the lugs and the i5 flexible members serve to provide a slot whereby these spacer or separator guides may be moved horizontally or along these members for adjustment purposes, material to be filed being inserted into its position between adjacent spacer or separator guides or members. In a device of this kind, there has been a tendency for these projecting elements or lugs of the spacer members to ride up out of the slot formed by the resilient members, and to become disengaged therefrom,

when the spacer members are moved horizontally for adjustment. This is an' objectionable feature inasmuch as these spacer members are usually enclosed within a drawer filing cabinet, which prevents proper closing and opening of the same.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel filing device in which the above disadvantages are eliminated and which comprehends novel means whereby spacer members or guides may be easily inserted or removed,

as desired.

The present invention contemplates novel securing means for the spacer members or guides which permits easy insertion of such members into locking engagement in.a drawer, or a suitable 40 supporting means, whereby the spacer members can be moved horizontally for the purpose of adjustment but will not become displaced vertically.

Another object within the purview of the presentinvention is to provide novel securing means for the spacer guides or members, which means interlocks upon relative lateral movement of the spacer members and the drawer or other supporting means therefor, but which prevents vertical displacement of the spacer members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide novel means for securing one or more spacer members or guides in a drawer or supporting means wherein said securing means is operable when the spacer members are disposed $5 obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the drawer and are moved from such position laterally and into a position transversely of the drawer to effect interlocking thereof to prevent upward displace-' ment of the spacer member or members, the side walls of the drawer or other means associated 5 with the supporting means serving to prevent any appreciable lateral movement of the spacer member or members when in an operative position transversely of the supporting means which would permit disengagement of the securing means.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide novel securing means for a spacer member in a filing device, including means to permit swinging of the spacer member relative to the supporting means and wherein suitable means is provided to receive one or more fingers to facilitate movement of the spacer member.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide novel securing means for spacer members in a drawer or other supporting means which includes a lug or projecting element formed with one or more beveled faces to facilitate easy insertion of such spacer members between adjacent members. 25

Other objects, features, capabilities and advantages are comprehended by the invention, as will later appear and as are inherently possessed thereby.

Referring to the drawing: 30

Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a filing device made in accordance with the present invention, the same being shown in open position with parts broken away to disclose certain portions thereof more in detail; 35

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a portion of the filing device of Figure 1, showing the securing means for the spacer members, which is made in accordance with the present invention; and a Figure 3 is a fragmentary view in perspective similar to Figure 2 of the drawing, with the parts of the securing means, however, in engagement.

Referring now more in detail to the drawing, the securing means of the present invention is shown in connection with a filing device 2 which comprises a cabinet 4 suitably supported upon the legs 6, which cabinet is provided with a bottom supporting member 8 and an expansible front panel II], a cover I! being provided and being suitably hinged to the device whereby the same may be opened into a position as shown in Figure 1 of, the drawing and for moving the front panel l0 into its expanded position.

Disposed within the cabinet 4 is a plurality of spacer members or guides ll adapted to receive material to be filed therebetween and for map erly separating such material from other mate rial to be filed between succeeding or successive adjacent spacer members I.

In order to introduce or insert additional spacer members II in the cabinet 4, as well as to remove those spacers not desired, suitable securing means may be provided to releasably hold the spacer guides in association with the supporting member I whereby the same may beinserted or removed, yet held in their proper position and moved toward or away from one another, as occasion demands.

In the present device, the supporting member 8 is provided with a central elongated depressed channel I, to one side of which is connected a securing element II, this securing element having a laterally disposed flange 20 seating on the bottom of the depressed portion I! and abutting one of the side walls thereof, the connection between the depressed portion l6 and the securing element being by means of welding or otherwise attaching or connecting the flange 20 to the depressed portion ll. This securing element is further provided with an upstanding central web 22 and a flange 24 extending laterally thereof and opposed to flange 20, this flange being provided with a resilient rolled or beaded edge 28 in substantial spaced relation to the upstanding wall 28 of the depressed portion l6.

In the embodiment disclosed, each of the spacer members is provided with securing means 30 connected thereto substantially midway between the side edges thereof and along its lower edge, such means comprising 9. lug 32 formed with an enlarged body portion 84 projecting from the lower edge of the spacer member and oppositely disposed trunnions 38 received in the tubular hearing or hinged portions 38 and 40 of a plate 42 secured as shown, as by means of rivets H or the like to the spacer member N. This plate member preferably comprises a single sheet of metal blanked to conform to the desired shape and size, and may be bent along its axis to provide the tubular portions 38 and 40 and the side extensions disposed on opposite sides of the spacer guide or member I4, although it is to be understood that the tubular bearings and plate portions may be formed separately and secured together in any desired manner. This plate memher is formed to provide an opening 46 conforming to a similar opening in the lower edge of the spacer member H, which opening is adapted to receive a finger which may be inserted to facilitate movement of the spacer into and out of its operative position. The lug 32 is formed with a slot 48 having a laterally disposed opening adapted to receive the beaded or rolled edge 28 of the securing element is. The securing element I8 is formed from material, which will provide a resilient beaded edge adapted to contract when compressed. The slot 48 conforms substantially to the shape of thebeaded edge 28 and is slightly smaller than the beaded or rolled edge 26 so as .to slightly compress the head when fitted thereover. This slot is also of such ashape that its lower edge portion more closely receives the bead 28 to prevent easy removal of the lug when once in place, the slot 40 therefor in effect forming shoulders to interlock with the bead to hold the securing elements I! and 32 in interlocking relation.

Spacer members H are inserted in place by disposing their lower edges obliquely in relation to the longitudinal axis oi the supporting member 8, and the lug 32 is placed between the beaded edge 26 and the upstanding wall II, the slot 48 being opposite the beaded edge 20.. The spacer member i4 is then moved into transverse position in respect to a longitudinal axis of securing element II and into a position whereby the sides are disposed substantially adjacent the side walls of the cabinet, the lug II during such movement moving laterally whereby slot ll embraces and interlocks with the beaded edge Ii. It will therefore be seen that beoauseoi' the lateral disposition of the slot ll, the spacer member cannot be displaced upwardly, and as long as the spacer member is disposed in transverse position in respect to the longitudinal axis of securing element II, the sides 01' the spacer member are in close juxtaposition to the sides of the cabinet and there can be no appreciable lateral displacement of the same. The spacer members H can be removed therefore only by slightly moving them into an oblique position in respect to the drawer or supporting means, and such securing means prevents any possibility of the lugs 32 riding upwardly, which has heretofore occurred in devices of the type herein referred to. Head 20 provides a runner whereby the lugs 32 may be moved horizontally to adjust these spacer members, as desired, and the trunnions on the lugs I2 hinged in the tubular portions II and M permit swinging of the spacer members without aiiecting the interlocking relation between lugs I! and secur ing element l0.

While I have herein described and upon the drawing shown an illustrative embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may comprehend other constructions, arrangements of parts, de-

tails and features without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a filing device, the combination of a spacer member, a member associated therewith to provide a support at the lower edge of said spacer member, and means intermediate the ends of said lower edge for securing said spacer member to said supporting member, said means comprising elements on said members adapted to interlock at a single point to prevent relative movement of said spacer with respect to said supporting member in a direction substantially normal to said supporting member but operable to effect engagement and disengagement thereof upon relative movement therebetween substantially transversely of said supporting member.

2. In a filing device, the combination of a spacer member, a supporting member therefor, said spacer member being normally transversely disposed with respect tosaid supporting member when in operative position, an element provided on one of said members having a resilient contractible edge portion, and an element provided on the other of said members embracing said edge portion upon movement of one of said elements with respect to the other, transversely with respect to said supporting member whereby said members are interlocked. 4

3. In a filing device, the combination 01 a spacer member, a supporting member therefor, said spacer member being normally transversely disposed with respect to said supporting member when in operative position, an element provided on one of said members having a resilient contractible edge portion, and an element provided on the other of said members and having a laterally opening slot adapted to receive andembrace said edge portion upon movement of one of said elements with respect to the other, transversely with respect to said supporting member whereby said members are interlocked.

4. In a filing device, the combination of a spacer member, a supporting member therefor, said spacer member being normally transversely disposed with respect to said supporting member when in operative position, an element provided on one of said members having av resilient contractible edge portion, and an element provided on the other of said members embracing said edge portion upon movement of one of said elements with respect to the other, transversely with respect to said supporting member whereby said members are interlocked, one of said elements being swingably connected to its associated member to permit swinging of said spacer member relative to said supporting member.-

5. In a filing device, the combination of a spacer member, a supporting member therefor, said spacer member being normally transversely disposed with respect to said supportingmember when in operative position, an element provided on one of said members having a resilient contractible edge portion, and an element provided on the other of said members and having a laterally opening slot adapted to receive and embrace 'said edge portion upon movement of one of said elements with respect to the other, transversely with respect to said supporting member whereby said members are interlocked, one of said elements being swingably connected to its associated member to permit swinging of said spacer member relative to said supporting member.

6. In a filing device, the combination of a plurality of spacer members, a supporting member therefor, said supporting member having an element provided with a single resilient contractible edge portion, and an element provided on each of said spacer members embracing said edge portlon to prevent displacement thereof but providing 'for sliding adjustment of said spacer members.

'7. In a filing device, the combination of a plurnlity of spacer members, a supporting member therefor, said supporting member having an element provided with a single resilient contractible edge portion, and an element provided on each of said spacer members having a laterally opening slot adapted to receive and embrace said edge portion to prevent displacement of said spacer members but providing for sliding adjustment thereof.

8. In a filing device, the combination of a plurality of spacer members, a supporting member therefor, said supporting member having an element provided with a single resilient contractible edge portion, and an element provided on each of said spacer members embracing said edge portion to prevent displacement thereof but providing for sliding adjustment of said spacer members, said last-named elements being swingably connected to said spacer members to permit swinging thereof relative to said supporting member.

9. In a filing device, the combination of a plurality of spacer members, a supporting member therefor, said supporting'member having an element provided with a single resilient contractible edge portion, and an element provided on each of said spacer members having a laterally opening slot adapted to receive and embrace said edge portion to prevent displacement of said spacer members but providing for sliding adjustment thereof, said last-named elements being swingplurality of spacer members, a supporting member therefor, said supporting member having an element provided with a single resilient contractible edge portion, and an elementprovided on each of said spacer members embracing said edge portion to prevent displacement thereof but providing for sliding adjustment of said spacer members, said last-named elements being swingably connected to said spacer members to permit swinging thereof relative to said supporting member, each of said spacer members being provided with a cut-out portion for receiving a finger to facilitate adjustment of said spacer members and engagement and disengagement of said elements.

11. In a filing device, the combination of a plurality of spacer members, a supporting member therefor, said supporting member having an element provided with a single resilient contractible edge portion, and an element provided on each of said spacer members having a laterally opening slot adapted to receive and embrace said edge portion to prevent displacement of said spacer members but providing for sliding adjustment thereof, said last-named elements being swingably connected to said spacer members to permit swinging thereof relative to said supporting member, each of said spacer members being provided with a cut-out portion for receiving a finger to facilitate adjustment of said spacer members and engagement and disengagement of said elements.

12. In a filing device, the combination of a drawer having oppositely disposed sides and a bottom supporting member, a plurality of spacer members disposed transversely of said drawer between said sides, means having a single resilient contractible edge secured to said supporting member, and means connected to said spacer members embracing said means for interlocking said members in said drawer.

13. In a filing device, the combination of a drawer having oppositely disposed sides and a bottom supporting member, a plurality of spacer members disposed transversely of said drawer between said sides, means having a single resilient contractible edge secured to said supporting member, and means connected to said spacer members engageable with said contractible edge when said spacer members are obliquely disposed with respect to said sides and adapted to embrace said contractible edge to prevent upward and lateral displacement of said spacer members when disposed transversely of said drawer.

14. In a filing device, the combination of a drawer having oppositely disposed sides and a bottom supporting member, a spacer member, means for interlocking said members when said spacer member is disposed transversely with respect to said sides, said means comprising a single enlarged edge portion associated with one of said members, and means associated with the other of said members engageable with said enlarged edge when said spacer member is obliquely disposed with respect to said sides and cooperating with said enlarged edge whereby upward displacement of said spacer member is prevented when said spacer member is disposed trans-- versely of said drawer between said sides.

15. In a filing device, the combination of a drawer having oppositely disposed sides and a bottom supporting member, a spacer member, means for interlocking said members when said spacer member is disposed transversely with respect to said sides, said means comprising an element associated with one of said members having a single enlarged edge portion, and an element associated with the other of said members adapted to embrace said edge portion for interlocking said elements, the element on said spacer member adapted to engage the other of said elements when the spacer member is obliquely disposed with respect to said sides, one of said elements embracing said edge portion to prevent displacement of said spacer member when the same is disposed transversely of said drawer between said sides.

16. In a filing device, the combination of a drawer having oppositely disposed sides and a bottom supporting member, a spacer member, means for interlocking said members when said spacer member is disposed transversely with respect to said sides, said means comprising an element secured longitudinally of said drawer and being provided with a resilient contractible -edge portion, and an element secured to said spacer member provided with a laterally opening slot, said last-named element engaging said firstnamed element when said spacer member is obliquely disposed with respect to said sides and embracing said resilient edge portion to prevent upward displacement of said spacer member when said spacer member is disposed transversely of said drawer between said sides, said cooperating elements providing for sliding movement of said spacer member relative to said drawer.

1'7. In a filing device, the combination of a drawer having oppositely disposed sides and a bottom supporting member, a spacer member, means for interlocking said members when said spacer member is disposed transversely with respect to said sides, said means comprising an element secured longitudinally of said drawer and being provided with a resilient contractible edge portion, and an element pivotally secured to said spacer member provided with a laterally opening slot, said last-named element engaging said first-named element when said spacer member is obliquely disposed with respect to said sides and embracing said resilient edge portion to prevent upward displacement of said spacer member when said spacer member is disposed transversely of said drawer between said sides, said cooperating elements providing for sliding movement of said spacer member relative to said drawer, said pivotally secured element providing for swinging movement of said spacer member.

18. A securing lug for a spacer member, comprising a member having a trunnion portion and a portion offset in respect to the axis of said trunnion portion, said offset portion having a. slot extending inwardly from one side thereof.

19. A securing lug for a spacer member, comprising a member having an enlarged projecting portion and provided with laterally extending trunnion portions, said enlarged portion having a slot extending inwardly from one side thereof.

20. In a filing device, the combination of a member adapted to be moved in said device, securing means therefor, said means comprising a plate member secured to said first named member and a lug member, one of said last-named members having a trunnion and the other of said members having hinge means for receiving said trunnion to pivotally connect said lug to said first-named member, said lug member having a portion provided with a slot extending inwardly from one side thereof.

21. In a filing device, the combination of a member adapted to be moved in said device, securing means therefor, said means comprising a plate member secured to said first-named member and a lug member, one of said last-named members having oppositely disposed trunnions and the other of said members having tubular hinge portions for receiving said trunnions to pivotally connect said lug to said first-named member, said lug member having a portion provided with a slot extending inwardly from me a slot extending inwardly from one side there- 23. In a filing device; the combination of a member adapted to be moved in said device, securing means therefor, said means comprising a lug secured to said member and having a portion depending from said member, saidportion having a slot extending inwardly from one side only thereof, said securing means further including a member disposable within said slot and embraced by said portion whereby said first named member is secured to said second named member at a single,p0lnt.

24. In a filing device, the combination of a member adapted to be moved in said device, securing means therefor, said means comprising a lug pivotally secured to said member and having a portion depending therefrom, said portion having a slot extending inwardly from one side only thereof, said securing means further including a member disposable within said slot and embraced by said portion whereby said first named member is secured to said second named member at a single point.

25. In a filing device, the combination of a drawer having oppositely disposed sides and a bottom supporting member, a spacer member associated therewith, interlocking means for said member when said spacer member is disposed transversely with respect to said sides, said means comprising a locking element extending along one of said members, the other of said members having a locking element providing a laterally extending opening whereby said last named element is adapted to embrace said first named element when said spacer member is obliquely disposed with respect to said sides and cooperating with said first named locking element whereby upward displacement of said spacer member is prevented when said spacer member is disposed transversely of said drawer between said sides.

ROLAND M. RICKABY. 

